Cyprus: Political Developments and Data in 2023

In 2023, efforts to bridge the island's divide remained stagnant, though there was a notable development: the UN Secretary-General appointed a personal envoy to investigate the potential for restarting negotiations as the year drew to a close. On the domestic front, within the Greek-Cypriot-dominated Republic of Cyprus, the year was characterised by the presidential elections in February 2023 and their aftermath, alongside a persistent influx of migrants and asylum seekers to the island. In the northern part of the island, the de-facto state Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, 2023 became the year of trauma and collective mourning for the Turkish Cypriots who lost 49 souls during the earthquake in Adıyaman, Turkey, in February.